FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky Arts Council invites schools to participate in the Governor's Derby Celebration by painting canvases to be used as unique art installations at the annual event.

Picnic tables on the Old State Capitol grounds are fitted with horse heads and tails, and the painted canvases, or "Derby blankets," are draped across the tables to complete the look. This is the fifth year schools have been invited to participate in the celebration. The arts council coordinates the project on behalf of Governor Steve Beshear and First Lady Jane Beshear.

"We're proud to have facilitated this arts education project for five years now and welcome participation by any Kentucky public or private school," said Lori Meadows, arts council executive director. "It has been interesting to watch the project grow and to learn the stories behind the artwork created by the classrooms. Students from 30 Kentucky schools, elementary to high school, painted blankets last year, the most we have ever displayed at the celebration."

The arts council will provide a canvas to schools that request one. Schools must use their own supplies to complete the artwork. Paint must be outdoor latex and able to withstand inclement weather.

Schools are responsible for mailing completed canvases back to the arts council. The arts council reserves the right to select which canvases to display at the event. Schools that contribute to the project are acknowledged at the celebration.

Completed canvases must be returned to the arts council by April 17 for consideration. For more information or to request a canvas, contact Jean St. John, arts education director, at jean.stjohn@ky.gov or 888-833-1787, ext. 486.

The Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, creates opportunities for Kentuckians to value, participate in and benefit from the arts. Kentucky Arts Council funding is provided by the Kentucky General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts.